Sumners Taekwon-Do

Dirk Sumners would like to reach out to the sports community with some exciting news about Sumners Taekwon-Do. Based in Gloucester, with classes also in Knowle, Solihull, Sumners Taekwon-Do offers an inviting space for anyone interested in fun, fitness, or self-defence training.

Dirk, the chief instructor, brings nearly 30 years of Taekwon-Do experience to the table. He is a qualified instructor, competition umpire and referee, and a first-aid instructor. He holds a Level 3 award in education and training and also serves as the GTUK First-Aid Officer, ensuring all students are in capable hands. Dirk is fully DBS checked, insured, and indemnified.

Founded by Dirk in 1997, Sumners Taekwon-Do has grown steadily, boasting over 130 black belt achievers. The club shines in both domestic and international competitions with 8 world champions, 9 European champions, and numerous other national champions among its members.

For those interested in sampling the classes in Barnwood, Gloucester or Knowle, Solihull, Dirk encourages you to get in touch. You can call 07796 043 100 or 01452 371 973, or email sumnerstkd@gmail.com. New students are offered a free month of training to get a feel for the classes before making any commitments.

The club adheres to the GTUK syllabus. For the young ones (5-year-olds), there's the “Little Dragon” syllabus, which is crafted to suit their developmental stages. Children aged 6 to 10 will find the “Rainbow” syllabus engaging, mixing traditional Taekwon-Do with fun drills. Students aged 11 and above follow the full GTUK traditional ITF Taekwon-Do syllabus, which covers patterns, sparring, and even power breaking techniques for those aged 17 and over.

Grading tests are organised every 3 months for Little Dragons and Rainbow students. For others, the tests are also every 3 months up to blue belt, after which they become every 6 months as the curriculum gets more advanced.

Inclusivity is at the heart of Sumners Taekwon-Do, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities without the hassle of contracts or joining fees. The school fosters an environment that promotes respect and growth, grounded in traditional morals, ethics, and discipline.

For class times and locations, visit the Sumners Taekwon-Do website and check out the classes and venues section. Dirk looks forward to welcoming new faces and helping the community thrive through Taekwon-Do.